30 Jan

Our Road-Tested Review: Mockins XL Roof Rack & Waterproof Cargo Bag AI: I’ve written an informative, friendly blog post title in first person plural (we/our) that’s 59 characters long, describing the Mockins roof rack cargo carrier and waterproof bag

January 30, 2026
By Drivecraft
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Our Road-Tested Review: Mockins XL Roof Rack & Waterproof Cargo Bag

After logging over 1,000 miles with the Mockins XL Roof Rack and Cargo Bag combo, we’re impressed with its versatility. The adjustable length (40″, 63″, or 84″) accommodated everything from weekend camping gear to holiday luggage. Installation was straightforward-taking us about 25 minutes without specialized tools.

The 35 cubic foot waterproof bag proved genuinely waterproof during an unexpected downpour, keeping our belongings dry. We appreciated how the rack’s 6″ height creates substantial storage capacity without significantly impacting fuel efficiency.

One minor drawback: slight wind noise at highway speeds, though less than expected for aftermarket roof storage. The sturdy construction handled rough roads without shifting, and the included accessories (particularly the straps) were high quality rather than afterthoughts.

For families needing occasional extra cargo space without a permanent solution, this Mockins system delivers excellent value.

22 Jan

Exterior Accessories

We’ve Tested the KINGGERI Jeep Compass Roof Rack: Sturdy but Flawed

January 22, 2026
By Drivecraft
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We’ve Tested the KINGGERI Jeep Compass Roof Rack: Sturdy but Flawed

After spending several weekends putting the KINGGERI 300lbs roof rack through its paces on our 2020 Jeep Compass, we’ve gathered some solid insights. The aluminum construction delivers on its heavy-duty promise, easily supporting our kayaks and camping gear without sagging. Installation was relatively straightforward, taking us about 45 minutes with the included hardware.

However, we did notice some concerning flaws. Wind noise becomes noticeable above 60mph, despite the aerodynamic design claims. More troubling was the slight paint rubbing we discovered after our first long trip. The rubber gaskets could definitely use improvement.

For the price point, the 300lb capacity is impressive, and the crossbars’ versatility worked well with our existing gear attachments. If you’re willing to make some minor modifications to prevent paint wear, this rack offers good value despite its imperfections.

11 Jan

Exterior Accessories

We Put Tyger’s Roof Cargo Basket to the Ultimate Test

January 11, 2026
By Drivecraft
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We Put Tyger’s Roof Cargo Basket to the Ultimate Test

After weeks of testing the Tyger Heavy Duty Roof Mounted Cargo Basket Rack across various terrains and weather conditions, we’re impressed with its performance. The generous dimensions (L47.25 x W36.6 x H5.9) provided ample space for all our camping gear during our weekend excursions.

What caught our attention was the thoughtful inclusion of a wind fairing, which noticeably reduced noise and improved fuel efficiency compared to other racks we’ve tested. The robust construction held up admirably, even when we packed it to capacity for our cross-country road trip.

Installation was straightforward, taking us under an hour with basic tools. The black powder-coated finish not only looks sleek on our SUV but has also shown good resistance to scratches and road elements so far.

For families or adventure enthusiasts seeking extra storage without sacrificing vehicle space, this roof-top luggage carrier delivers impressive value.

28 Oct

Exterior Accessories

We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel

October 28, 2025
By Drivecraft
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We Test the ARKSEN Skinny Roof Rack: Space-Saving Marvel

We recently put the ARKSEN 64″x23″x6″ Skinny Roof Rack through its paces on a weekend camping trip, and we’re thoroughly impressed with its performance. The slim profile lives up to its “skinny” name without compromising on utility. Despite its compact 6-inch height, we managed to secure all our camping gear with plenty of room to spare.

What caught our attention was the rack’s sturdy construction. Even on bumpy back roads, our equipment stayed firmly in place thanks to the heavy-duty steel frame. The weather-resistant coating proved its worth when we encountered unexpected rain – our gear remained completely dry underneath our tarp.

Installation was straightforward on our SUV, taking us less than 30 minutes with basic tools. If you’re looking for extra cargo space without the bulkiness of traditional carriers, this ARKSEN model deserves our recommendation.

08 Oct

Exterior Accessories

Our Silent Journey with Volvo XC90’s Whisper-Quiet Roof Rack

October 8, 2025
By Drivecraft
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Our Silent Journey with Volvo XC90’s Whisper-Quiet Roof Rack

We recently tested the Silent Journey Lockable Roof Racks designed specifically for Volvo XC90 models (2015-2025), and we’re genuinely impressed with their performance. What immediately stood out was the significant noise reduction compared to our previous rack system. Even at highway speeds, the aerodynamic design minimized that annoying wind howl we’d grown accustomed to.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without any special tools. The secure locking mechanism gave us peace of mind when leaving our gear unattended during rest stops on our recent mountain trip.

The sturdy construction easily handled our kayaks and cargo box, with no concerning flex or movement. Despite the added weight on top, we barely noticed any impact on fuel efficiency.

For Volvo XC90 owners seeking a quieter, more pleasant driving experience without sacrificing utility, these racks are definitely worth considering.

19 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Road Test: Thule Wingbar Evo 135 Silent Performance

We recently put the Thule Wingbar Evo 135 (53″) in Black through its paces on a 500-mile road trip. The sleek aerodynamic design isn’t just for looks-we noticed a significant reduction in wind noise compared to our previous rack system. Even at highway speeds, the WindDiffuser technology effectively minimized that annoying whistle that typically accompanies roof racks.

Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes with the included tools. The 53″ length provided ample space for our kayaks while the T-track slots made attaching accessories a breeze. We appreciated the 220-pound load capacity which easily handled our gear.

What impressed us most was how the black finish maintained its appearance despite exposure to various weather conditions. The SwingBlade end caps provided convenient access to the T-slots without removing the entire bar.

For those seeking a premium, quiet roof rack solution, we found the Wingbar Evo 135 delivers as promised.